A Saipan blog about life on a tropical island through the eyes of “not your average" eye surgeon. Here find island adventure, food, culture, humor, travel, medicine, and random thoughts about living a fulfilling life (along with an occasional gory eye picture thrown in, just to keep things fresh.)

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Taste of the Marianas

Tonight is the last night of one of Saipan's greatest annual events -- the Taste of the Marianas Food Festival that runs each Saturday night during the month of May. For the folks in Japan who have recently been visiting my blog, here is the description from the Marianas Visitor's Authority.

The smell of scrumptious and delectable food is in the air at The 9th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden. One of Saipan’s most popular of events will take place on May 5, 12, 19& 26, 2007at the American Memorial Park. This event is complete with live entertainment, food, beverages and numerous competitions in the tropical Saipan weather making this outdoor evening event a favorite of visitors in the region who swarm for a "Taste of the Marianas".

There is no fee to join in on the fun and festivities, but you will need to purchase tokens for food and beverages. Saipan’s very best restaurants and hotels participate in this event making it a delectable culinary and cultural experience extravaganza not to be missed.

Locals show the Hafa Adai spirit to visitors of our tropical island of Saipan, sharing in the culture and enjoying all that the festival has to offer. So come and enjoy!!

Our family has been every Saturday night this month. It's great for the kids, and it always strikes me that we (and all the other parents) just let them run around and have a good time -- something you wouldn't do in a larger place.

Young Dancers(Photo courtesy of Dave Hodges - visit his site for more great shots of Saipan)

Photo opportunity with the Carolinian dancers(Photo courtesy of David Hodges)

The main stage

Artwork at the Taste of the Marianas

The ubiquitous roasting pig

Food huts on the grassy lawn at American Memorial Park, the usual venue.Come join us next year!